No matter how brilliant an action, it should not be considered great unless it was the result of a great motive.

A man is sometimes better off deceived about the one he loves, than undeceived.

As uncommon a thing as true love is, it is yet easier to find than true friendship.

There are few people more convinced of their own genius than those who complain of how stupid they are.

The extreme pleasure we take in speaking of ourselves should make us apprehensive that it gives hardly any to those who listen to us.

Sincerity is a certain openness of heart. It is to be found in very few, and what we commonly look upon to be so is only a cunningsort of dissimulation, to insinuate ourselves into the confidence of others.

Some weak people are so sensible of their weakness as to be able to make a good use of it.